In This Bulletin
Nursing Applicant Bulletin 2026-27
Updated Spring 2026
About the Associate Degree Nursing Program
Contra Costa College’s Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN) has been graduating nurses since 1960. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as registered nurses in a variety of healthcare settings.
The nursing program is four semesters (two years) in length. A graduate of the nursing program is eligible to take the State Board Examination for Registered Nurse Licensure (NCLEX-RN). The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
You will hear more about our concurrent enrollment Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree options when you enter the program.
Who Should Read This Bulletin
This bulletin covers all applicant types for the CCC ADN program: the Basic Nursing Applicant (entering first semester) and all Advanced Placement applicants (LVN/LPN, LPT, Military, Transfer, Foreign-Trained Nurse, and 30-Unit Option).
Prerequisite Courses
All applicants (except the 30-Unit Option, which has its own course list) must complete prerequisite courses divided into Group A and Group B.
- Group A GPA: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Group B GPA: Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.
- Each course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Group A Courses
| Course | CCC Number | Units |
|---|
| Human Anatomy | BIOSC 132 | 4 |
| Human Physiology* | BIOSC 134 | 4 |
| Microbiology* | BIOSC 119 | 4 |
| English Comp + Reading or Critical Thinking + Adv Comp* | ENGL C1000, C1000E, C1001, or 002B | 3-5 |
| Drug Dosage Calculations | NURS 205 | 2 |
| Pharmacology for Nurses | NURS 212 | 2 |
*Course has a prerequisite. See a counselor to determine how Group A courses transfer into BSN programs.
Group B Courses
| Course | CCC Number | Units |
|---|
| Sociology or Anthropology | SOCIO 220 or ANTHR 130 | 3 |
| Psychology | PSYCH 130, PSYC C1000, or PSYCH 220 | 3 |
| Human Communication | COMM C1000, SPCH 121, SPCH 121-I*, or 128 | 3 |
| Developmental Psychology | PSYCH 126 or 128 | 3 |
*Course has a prerequisite.
Additional Courses Required for Graduation
Additional courses are required for the Associate in Science Degree. If you hold a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited institution, you may be exempt from some general education requirements. Consult a counselor for details.
Basic Nursing Applicant
The Basic Nursing Applicant is a student seeking to enter the first semester of the nursing program. The first semester begins each fall.
Before applying, meet with a college counselor to discuss the general education courses necessary to satisfy the Associate in Science Degree requirements.
Applying to the Nursing Program – Basic Applicant
- Ensure all Group A and Group B courses are complete with the required GPA by the deadline date.
- Submit a complete Nursing Application Packet indicating the full 2-year program pathway to the Admissions + Records Office. Deadline: November 1- December 15 for the following fall semester.
The application packet must include:
- The Nursing Application – available online at contracosta.edu/classes/academic-departments/nursing/application-info/ or in person at the Admissions + Records Office.
- A completed Contra Costa College application (if not already an enrolled CCC student).
- All official transcripts from other colleges and universities.
The Admissions and Records Office will notify you of your eligibility by April 1. For questions, contact Admissions and Records at (510) 215-4444.
Beginning Fall 2027, selection will be merit based. If there are multiple applicants achieving the same score, a randomized lottery will be used as a tiebreaker. Prior to Fall 2027, selection is by lottery.
Conditional Admission Process
Applicants selected from the lottery who have accepted admission are Conditionally Admitted and must complete the following steps:
- Take the ATI TEAS Exam (Version 6 or 7) at atitesting.com. The exam must be taken prior to the application deadline and scores submitted to CCC.
- Required Cut Score: You must pass the ATI TEAS with a composite cut score of 62. Your ATI TEAS score must be received by the Nursing Department by the stated deadline.
- Proceed with background check and drug screening by the deadline. Results must be clear for entry. Complete the annual physical exam and required immunizations.
- After the physical, immunizations, drug screen, and background check are completed, admission to the nursing program is confirmed.
If You Do Not Achieve the Required TEAS Cut Score
An applicant who does not achieve a composite score of 62 on their first attempt will be allowed to retake the TEAS one additional time. If the required score is not achieved on the second attempt, the applicant is not eligible for admission.
Advanced Placement Overview
Advanced Placement (AP) applicants are individuals with existing licenses, training, or nursing coursework who are seeking to enter the nursing program at a point beyond the first semester.
Priority Order for Advanced Placement Admission
When more AP applicants are qualified than space permits, priority is given in the following order:
- Readmission of current Contra Costa College nursing/remediation students
- LVN / LPN / LPT or Military-Trained Healthcare Personnel applicants
- Transfer applicants
- Foreign-Trained Nurses
- 30-Unit Option applicants
Drug Dosage Calculation (DDC) Exam
All advanced placement applicants must successfully pass the Drug Dosage Calculation competency exam prior to or as part of the conditional admission process. Details are provided within each applicant section below.
Advanced Placement: Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) / Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
The LVN or LPN applicant holds an active California LVN or LPN license and is requesting to enter as an advanced placement student at the second semester of the nursing program.
The applicant must meet with a college counselor to discuss the general education courses necessary to satisfy the Associate in Science Degree requirements.
Applying for LVN / LPN
- Ensure all Group A and Group B courses are successfully completed with the required GPA.
- Submit a completed Application Packet indicating the AP LVN pathway to the Admissions + Records Office. Deadline: September 1 – October 1.
The application packet must include:
- The Nursing Application – available online at contracosta.edu/classes/academic-departments/nursing/application-info/ or in person at the Admissions + Records Office.
- A completed CCC application (if not already an enrolled CCC student).
- All official transcripts from other colleges and universities.
- A copy of your current LVN or LPN license.
- A letter to the CCC Nursing Dept., Admissions Committee indicating your goals, work history, licenses, and certifications.
The Admissions and Records Office will notify you of eligibility once the application has been evaluated, then forward it to the Nursing Department for faculty review.
Selection Criteria
In selecting LVN/LPN applicants, the faculty will consider:
- GPA (above the minimum) in Group A courses, including any multiple withdrawals or repetitions
- Current employment in a health care field
- Current LVN or LPN license
- Successful passing of the Drug Dosage Calculation (DDC) competency exam
If selected, you must take and pass the Drug Dosage Calculation (DDC) exam. If successful, proceed with the background check and drug screening. Results must be clear for admission.
Advanced Placement: Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT)
The LPT applicant holds an active LPT license and is requesting to enter the second semester of the nursing program. The LPT applicant must meet with a college counselor to discuss the general education courses necessary to satisfy the Associate in Science Degree requirements.
Applying for LPT
- Ensure all Group A and Group B courses are successfully completed with the required GPA.
- Submit a completed Nursing Application Packet indicating the AP LPT pathway to the Admissions + Records Office. Deadline: September 1-October 1 for spring semester admission.
The application packet must include:
- The Nursing Application – available online or in person at the Admissions + Records Office.
- A completed CCC application (if not already an enrolled CCC student).
- All official transcripts from other colleges and universities.
- A copy of your current LPT license.
- A letter to the CCC Nursing Dept., Admissions Committee indicating your goals, work history, licenses, and certifications.
The Admissions and Records Office will notify you of eligibility once the application has been evaluated, then forward it to the Nursing Department for faculty review.
Selection Criteria
- GPA (above the minimum) in Group A courses, including any multiple withdrawals or repetitions
- Current employment in a health care field
- Current LPT license
If selected, the nursing faculty will notify you by December for the following spring semester. You must take and pass the Drug Dosage Calculation (DDC) exam. Proceed with the background check and drug screening. Results must be clear for admission.
Advanced Placement: Military-Trained Healthcare Personnel
The Military-Trained Healthcare Personnel applicant is requesting to enter the nursing program as an Advanced Placement student based on military healthcare training and experience.
The applicant must meet with a college counselor to discuss the general education courses necessary to satisfy the Associate in Science Degree requirements.
All Group A and Group B courses must be completed by the end of the prior spring semester for spring admission (application period: November 1 – December 15).
Applying for Military-Trained Healthcare Personnel
- After meeting with a CCC counselor to determine eligibility, ensure all Group A and Group B courses are successfully completed with the required GPA.
- Submit a completed Military-Trained Healthcare Application Packet to the Admissions + Records Office. Deadline: November 1 – December 15.
The application packet must include:
- The Military-Trained Healthcare Application – available online at contracosta.edu/classes/academic-departments/nursing/application-info/ or in person at Admissions + Records.
- A completed CCC application (if not already an enrolled CCC student).
- All official transcripts from other colleges and universities.
- A letter to the CCC Nursing Dept., Admissions Committee indicating your goals, work history, licenses, and certifications.
- Please see the Advanced Placement Military Personnel Policy for additional documentation requirements.
The Admissions and Records Office will notify you of eligibility once the application has been evaluated, then forward it to the Nursing Department for faculty review.
Selection Criteria
- GPA (above the minimum) in Group A courses, including any multiple withdrawals or repetitions
- Current employment in a health care field
- Passing score on the Drug Dosage Calculation Examination
- Passing score on the individualized placement and skills assessments
If selected, the nursing faculty will notify you. Proceed with the background check and drug screening. Results must be clear for admission.
Advanced Placement: Transfer Applicant
The Transfer Applicant has successfully completed part of a nursing program at another college or university and is seeking advanced placement into the CCC ADN program.
The Transfer Applicant must demonstrate proof of having successfully completed the prerequisite courses or demonstrate equivalent competency.
Applying for Transfer Applicant
Submit a completed Nursing Application Packet indicating the transfer pathway to the Admissions + Records Office. Deadline: August 1 – September 30 for Spring semester; November 1 – December 15 for Fall semester.
The application packet must include:
- The Nursing Application – available online or in person at the Admissions + Records Office.
- A completed CCC application (if not already an enrolled CCC student).
- All official transcripts from other colleges and universities.
- A letter to the CCC Nursing Dept., Attn: Nursing Admissions Committee, indicating your goal, reason for transfer admission, and any extenuating circumstances.
- A letter from your transfer school stating you left the program in good standing.
The Admissions and Records Office will forward the application to the nursing department after review and evaluation. Admission is based on space available. The Nursing Admissions Committee may schedule an interview to determine placement.
Advanced Placement: Foreign-Trained Nurse
The Foreign-Trained Nurse applicant has been trained in another country and has received a letter from the California Board of Registered Nursing indicating eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam after completing additional coursework.
Applying for Foreign-Trained Nurse
Complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of “B” or better, or pass the challenge exam for each:
- NURS 205 – Drug Dosage Calculation (2 units)
- NURS 212 – Pharmacology for Nurses (2 units)
- Submit a completed Foreign-Trained Nurse Application Packet to the Admissions + Records Office. Deadline: November 1 – December 15 for fall semester.
The application packet must include:
- The Nursing Application – available online or in person at the Admissions + Records Office.
- A completed CCC application (if not already an enrolled CCC student).
- A letter to the CCC Nursing Dept., Admissions Committee indicating your goals, work history, licenses, and certifications.
- A copy of the Board of Registered Nursing letter.
The Admissions and Records Office will forward the completed application packet to the Nursing Department. Admission is based on space available. The nursing faculty reviews all qualified advanced placement applicants.
If selected, the nursing faculty will notify you in May for fall semester admission or in December for spring semester admission.
Advanced Placement: 30-Unit Option (LVN / LPN – Non-Graduate Status)
(Fall admission only)
Important – Non-Graduate Status
The student completing the 30-Unit Option is categorized as a NON-GRADUATE.
- Completion of courses and graduation after licensure are required to receive the Associate in Science degree.
The nursing license for a 30-Unit Option RN is valid only in selected states.
- Please consult a counselor to determine how this pathway may affect your future licensure options.
An applicant who is licensed as a vocational or practical nurse is eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse by completing a minimum of 30 units of specific nursing courses – without repeating courses already completed during LVN/LPN training.
The 30-Unit Option applicant must have an active LVN or LPN license and is seeking to complete a total of 30 units consisting of specific nursing courses.
30-Unit Option – Course Requirements
Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for the prerequisite courses. Each course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
| Course | CCC Number | Units |
|---|
| Human Physiology* | BIOSC 134 | 4 |
| Microbiology* | BIOSC 119 | 4 |
| Drug Dosage Calculation | NURS 205 | 2 |
| Pharmacology for Nurses | NURS 212 | 2 |
*Course has a prerequisite.
Plus the following nursing program courses:
| Course | CCC Number | Units |
|---|
| Psychiatric Nursing | NURS 260 | 5.5 |
| Nursing Skills Lab | NURS 261 | 0.5 |
| Gerontological / Med-Surg Nursing | NURS 275 | 12 |
| Nursing Skills Lab | NURS 276 | 0.3 |
| Total | 26.3 units | |
Applying for 30-Unit Option
- Ensure all prerequisite courses have been successfully completed with the required GPA.
- Submit a completed Nursing Application Packet indicating the 30-unit option pathway to the Admissions + Records Office. Deadline: September 1 – October 1.
The application packet must include:
- The Nursing Application – available online or in person at the Admissions + Records Office.
- A completed CCC application (if not already an enrolled CCC student).
- All official transcripts from other colleges and universities.
- A copy of your current LVN or LPN license.
- A letter to the CCC Nursing Dept., Admissions Committee indicating your goals, work history, licenses, and certifications.
The Admissions and Records Office will forward the completed application to the Nursing Department. Admission is based on space available. The nursing faculty reviews all qualified advanced placement applicants. All advanced placement applicants must pass the Drug Dosage Calculation (DDC) competency exam.
If selected, the nursing faculty will notify you in May for fall semester admission. Proceed with the background check and drug screening. Results must be clear for admission.
Requirements Applying to All Applicants
The following requirements and policies apply to every applicant – Basic and Advanced Placement – regardless of pathway.
Health, Safety + Clinical Requirements
- Students must have documented evidence of an annual physical exam and current immunizations that demonstrate the ability to meet the physical and health requirements of the nursing program and its clinical facilities.
- CPR certification (American Heart Association BLS instructor-led course for Healthcare Providers) must be current at the time of entry and maintained throughout the program.
- A background check and drug screening are required. Results must be clear for admission. Details are provided in the welcome packet sent to conditionally admitted students.
- Students must successfully pass a Drug Dosage Calculation (DDC) competency exam each semester while in the RN program.
Costs + Fees
Fees per semester are set by the state legislature and are subject to change. California residents, out-of-state students, and international students are subject to different fee structures. Consult the college’s current fee schedule for details.
Additional costs include: uniforms, nursing shoes, bandage scissors, stethoscope, watch with second hand, textbooks, skills lab kit, ATI testing fees, and clinical site requirements.
The student is responsible for transportation to and from the campus and clinical facilities, and any associated parking fees.
Disabilities + Accommodations
Nursing courses comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you have special needs, please inform the instructor and contact the Office of Disability Support Services prior to enrollment so that reasonable accommodations can be arranged.
Criminal Conviction Disclosure (NCLEX-RN)
All candidates eligible for the NCLEX-RN examination are required by law to report misdemeanor and felony convictions to the California Board of Registered Nursing. A criminal conviction may affect eligibility for licensure. Consult the BRN for guidance before applying.
Social Security Number / ITIN
All applicants must possess a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply. This is required for background check processing and state licensing purposes.ceed with the background check and drug screening. Results must be clear for admission.
Helpful Information
Requirements Subject to Change
Requirements may change on an annual basis due to unforeseen circumstances or Board of Registered Nursing regulations. Please verify current requirements with the Nursing Department before applying.
Application Information Online
All nursing program applications are available at:
contracosta.edu/classes/academic-departments/nursing/application-info
Advanced Placement Application File Duration
Advanced placement applications are kept on file with the nursing department for two years. If you are not selected within that period, you must reapply.
TEAS Exam Resources (Basic Applicants)
ATI TEAS exam video tutorials and information are available at atitesting.com.
Contra Costa College – Associate Degree Nursing Program | Nursing Applicant Bulletin 2026-2027
For questions, contact Admissions + Records or visit contracosta.edu/classes/academic-departments/nursing